Did you know that Joshua’s name in Hebrew is Yeshua, and that Yeshua in Greek is Jesus?
It’s pretty cool to see the many thematic similarities between Joshua and Jesus. Check it out:
In the early chapters of Joshua, Israel had just miraculously crossed the boundary of the Jordan (ch. 3) and they now stand in enemy territory (ch. 4), their strength had been reduced due to circumcision (ch. 5), and looking ahead they faced an incomprehensible battle with the enemy
(ch. 6, and beyond).
Jesus crossed over a boundary when He was born of a virgin into human race (Isa 7:14; Luke 1:26-37). As fully God and fully man on earth, He also stood in enemy territory (Eph. 2:2). Through his acceptance of his human form, although Jesus was not spiritually weak, he
voluntarily laid aside his use of divine attributes while on earth (Phil. 2:5-11). And looking forward, Jesus faced the unimaginable task of the cross – he even sought his fathers will of alternatives! (Matt. 26:39).
Joshua followed God’s leading and provided salvation for the Israelites – through faith.
Jesus followed His Father’s will and provided salvation for everyone who believes – through faith.
Joshua is full of epic and interesting battles and (spoiler alert), it ends well. Check this summary out at the end of Joshua:
Thus, the LORD gave to Israel all the land that he swore to give to their fathers. And they took possession of it, and they settled there. And the LORD gave them rest on every side just as he had sworn to their fathers. Not one of all their enemies had withstood them, for the LORD had given all their enemies into their hands. Not one word of all the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass (Joshua 21:43-45).
Jesus is the One who gives us rest too.
Not one of His enemies withstood Him.
Not one word out of His mouth failed.
All came to pass as the Father wanted.
Joshua led the Israelites to victory through faith in God.
Jesus conquered sin, death and darkness, and through our identification with him by faith he has made us more than conquerors through his love (Rom. 8:37).
Now, that’s good news!